Colorado University Athletics
CU's Defensive Mix Eager to Hit the Field
August 20, 2019 | Soccer
Colorado opens the season on Thursday
BOULDER – Colorado's defense has been a major part of the team's success the past few seasons. The 2019 Buffaloes will look to carry that trend into 2019, starting on Thursday in the team's home opener against Drake (5 p.m.).
The past two seasons the Buffs have seen players from their backline go onto bigger and better things. Joss Orejel graduated in 2017 and has since spent time with the Mexican National Team as well as playing professionally in France and Spain. Last season, Erin Greening, helped solidify CU's defensive unit and became the 25th overall pick by the Orlando Pride in the 2019 NWSL Draft.
This season the Buffs have a mixed group of talent that will combine in the backfield. Senior captain Kelsey Aakness leads the charge with returners, Gabbi Chapa and Hannah Cardenas. Sophomore Chaynee Kingsbury has made the move from forward to defender this fall, and Sofia Weiner had been playing solely on defense before suffering an injury in fall camp. Colorado also added transfers Haileigh Adams and Hannah Sharts along with freshman Alyssa Duke. Sophomore Jesse Loren will also continue to split time between the midfield and the backline.
The Buffs had a rotating door on defense at times last season. Cardenas played just three games before a season-ending injury. Greening joined her on the bench for a chunk of the season, battling an injury of her own.
"We lost a very good player in Erin Greening," head coach Danny Sanchez stated. "Having said that, she missed about half the season last year. It was a bit of baptism by fire for a lot of our players. They got a lot of good experience. Sofia [Weiner] will be out for a little bit, but we look forward to getting her back during the season."
Chapa earned playing time late in the season last year and parlayed that with a strong spring season. She has continued to earn time in fall camp, battling for one of the four starting spots.
"It was a slow start coming in for me last year," Chapa recalled. "I think you get to relax in the spring and focus on individual talent. I stayed here this summer and was able to train with [strength coach] Travis [Larson] and really focused on my fitness. I just want to give it 110 percent when I'm out there."
The return of Cardenas to the lineup will be a boost in its self for CU. She started all 22 games in 2017 as a freshman and was second on the team with 1,948 minutes.
"She is an All-Pac-12 level defender," Sanchez noted. "Her 1v1 defending is great. I think in certain games last year we started to get stretched a little bit. With her pace, she can cover for other people. Last year we had players on an island at times. Hannah can deal with her player but also provide cover for the outside back."
The defensive unit along with CU's stellar goalkeeping has allowed just 35 goals in 42 games this past two seasons. That includes an impressive 21 shutouts. While the goalkeepers get all the glory, it is the work of the defenders that goes underappreciated in the box score.
"When somebody blocks a shot or saves a goal, it is equally as important as scoring a goal," Chapa added. "Obviously, we don't get as much credit. I still think the backline is so proud to save goals and defend together."
The Buffs have been battling each other on the practice field since Aug. 5 and are eager to finally get the chance to play different faces on Thursday.
"I'm really excited," Chapa exclaimed. "I'm excited to get out there. Confidence is key on the field and we just need to bring it.
Soccer America Poll
Colorado starts the season at No. 25 in SoccerAmerica.com's preseason poll.
CU (13-4-3) had a strong run in the rankings last season, climbing to as high as No. 15 in the nation.
The Buffs face seven opponents in SA's first poll of the season: 1. Florida State, 2. Stanford, 3. UCLA, 5. Southern California, 11. Baylor, 17. Texas and 23. Washington State.
Kornieck's latest honor
Top Drawer Soccer released it's 2019 Preseason Best XI on Tuesday. CU senior Taylor Kornieck was named to the second-team midfield.
Kornieck, a three-time All-Pac-12 selection was also added to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List earlier this month.
Colorado season and single-game tickets are now on sale. Be sure to pick yours up here
